F1 Japan GP – trackside fires prompt emergency measures at Suzuka – VIDEO. Suzuka’s grass caught fire, and the marshals improvised a "DIY" remedy.

During Friday’s free practice and Saturday’s qualifying session in Japan, drivers were repeatedly stopped by an unusual Red Flag. The marshals brought out the red flag on multiple occasions due to fires on the grass at the edge of the Suzuka track. On Saturday, the marshals along the circuit attempted to deal with the issue using a makeshift solution.

It had already happened in China in 2024—this time, it was Japan’s turn. From Free Practice 1 of the Japanese weekend, drivers and teams had to contend with some unusual red flag incidents caused by grass fires at the trackside. During the practice sessions and qualifying for the Grand Prix, the grass, dried out due to minimal rainfall in the past weeks around the circuit, caught fire several times in different areas.

By the end of the first two free practice sessions, the FIA had already announced countermeasures. Before qualifying, the Federation began working on it, cutting the grass and removing dry patches from the affected areas. Additionally, after FP2, the FIA declared “prompt and extraordinary measures.” In the Federation’s statement, it read: “Before Saturday’s sessions, the grass will be dampened. Specific intervention teams will also be stationed around the track.”

Fires at Suzuka: Marshals and Firefighters in Action
And so it was. During Saturday’s qualifying, some Suzuka marshals implemented improvised methods to address the fire issue, attempting to solve it by wetting the grass next to the circuit. Armed with buckets full of water, the Japanese trackside marshals doused the grass, assisted by firefighters who supported them in the effort using water hoses.

Will Fires Be a Problem During the Suzuka Race?
The sporadic and localized trackside fires disrupted normal team activity throughout the sessions leading up to qualifying. As for Sunday’s Grand Prix, the situation appears to be more under control. Rain is expected overnight between Saturday and Sunday in Suzuka. These showers should reduce the risk for the race, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 AM Central European Summer Time
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@wiedlech Suzuka Circuit irrigation system #F1 #japanesegp ♬ sonido original – Alex